In the ongoing corruption and money laundering trial of former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, a pivotal moment occurred on Tuesday as the court turned its attention to the motivations behind alleged payments totaling R4.5 million. The focus of the hearing shifted from the nature of the financial transactions themselves to the intent behind them, particularly as the defense challenged the credibility of the State’s key witness, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Judge Mashudu Munzhelele intervened in the cross-examination, pressing Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu on the rationale behind the substantial sums she allegedly paid to Mapisa-Nqakula, who was then the minister of defence. The judge questioned whether these payments were made in exchange for favors, prompting Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to assert that they were not intended to secure any personal benefit. Instead, she explained that the payments were made due to Mapisa-Nqakula’s influential position and to maintain a positive working relationship with the Department of Defence. The trial, taking place in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, has centered on allegations that Mapisa-Nqakula solicited or accepted bribes from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who is the sole director of logistics company Umkhombe Marine. The State claims that between December 2016 and July 2019, Mapisa-Nqakula received approximately R4.5 million from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu is testifying under an indemnity agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), and her testimony is considered crucial to the prosecution’s case. During the cross-examination by senior counsel Siyabulela Maphoma, representing the defense, discrepancies emerged between the statements made by Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and those previously given by UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, the first State witness. Maphoma pointed out that certain transactions were detailed in Holomisa’s account but omitted from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu’s testimony, while other details surfaced only during her current testimony. This inconsistency raised questions about the reliability of the evidence presented thus far. When confronted with the discrepancy regarding an alleged R2-million request that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu did not disclose to Holomisa, she stated that she saw no necessity to inform him of that particular detail. However, Maphoma challenged her on whether the charge sheet accurately reflected the full extent of the alleged interactions. The defense also revisited the initial meeting between Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and Mapisa-Nqakula, which took place in December 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. Earlier in her testimony, Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu recounted arranging the meeting through a retired general and family friend who had connections with Mapisa-Nqakula. She stated that she sought the meeting after making a R300,000 payment to the late secretary for defence, Dr Sam Gulube, who had been directed to her by Mapisa-Nqakula. Barely a week after this payment, Gulube requested an additional R400,000, prompting Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to seek direct contact with Mapisa-Nqakula to confirm the legitimacy of these requests. As the trial progressed, the courtroom heard details of the complex relationship between Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and Mapisa-Nqakula, extending beyond mere financial dealings. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu described their relationship as one of mutual trust, where she provided spiritual guidance to Mapisa-Nqakula during times of political uncertainty. She recounted instances where Mapisa-Nqakula sought her advice on political strategies and personal issues, even offering guidance when Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu faced legal troubles stemming from investigations into her company’s tender processes with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The court also heard about specific incidents involving coded language used in their communications. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu testified that Mapisa-Nqakula employed terms such as “padkos,” “wig,” and references to the African sage to discuss financial matters discreetly. One notable instance involved a R200,000 payment made directly to Mapisa-Nqakula, which Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu described as a response to pressure from the minister. Additionally, she mentioned a point where Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly requested a R2-million bribe to facilitate the promotion of Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu’s husband within the SANDF. However, she stated that she ultimately decided not to comply with this request, believing her husband would receive the promotion based on his merits rather than through illicit means. The defense’s cross-examination of Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu continued to scrutinize the consistency of her accounts, highlighting potential contradictions and selective disclosures. As the trial moves forward, the defense is expected to present its arguments against the charges, potentially challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s case and the reliability of Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu’s testimony. The court has ordered that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu may be identified by name but not photographed, filmed, or have her testimony broadcast during her time on the witness stand. The upcoming days will likely see further revelations and challenges as both sides continue to build their cases in the high-profile trial.
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Daily MaverickNeodvisenSredinaDejstva 90Objektivnost 85pred 3 dneviV teku sojenja za korupcijo in pranje denarja nekdanjega predsednika narodne skupščine Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, se je v torkovem postopku osredotočilo na motiv za domnevne plačila v višini R4,5 milijona, ki jih je domnevno prejela od Nombase Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, direktorja logističnega podjetja. Obramba je izpodbijala pričanje Ntsondve-Ndhlovu, poudarjala neskladja v njenem računu in vprašala, ali so bili plačila narejena za osebno korist ali za ohranjanje poklicnega odnosa z Mapisa-Nqakula, ki je bila takrat ministrica za obrambo. Sodnik Mashudu Munzhelele je nadalje preiskal in vprašal, zakaj bi Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu plačevala take plačila brez pričakovanja naklonjenosti. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu je trdila, da so plačila posledica vpliva Mapisa-Nqakula in ohranjanja dobrega delovnega odnosa z ministrstvom za obrambo. Poleg tega je obramba izrazila zaskrbljenost nad selektivnim razkritjem, ki je Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu ni obvestila o domnevnih plačilih, zlasti o vodji U2-Ndhomisa-Nq.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): Članek zagotavlja uravnotežen opis sodnega postopka, ki predstavlja trditve tožilstva in izzive obrambe za verodostojnost ključne priče.
Zakaj dejstva (90): The article accurately reports the courtroom exchanges, including the judge's questions to the witness and the defense's arguments. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the trial's developments.
Zakaj objektivnost (85): The article remains objective, presenting both the prosecution's and defense's perspectives without favoring either side. It focuses on the legal process and the judge's role.
Daily MaverickNeodvisenSredinaDejstva 90Objektivnost 85pred 4 dnevi V pristanišču: kosti, podkupnine in izdaja priča opisuje globoko povezavo z nekdanjim ministrom Nosiviwe Mapisa-NqakulaNekdanji južnoafriški obrambni minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula je na sojenju zaradi obtožb korupcije in pranja denarja, pri čemer je pričevanje razkrivalo tesen osebni in poklicni odnos z poslovno žensko Nombaso Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu je opisala, kako je Mapisa-Nqakula zagotovila duhovno vodstvo, vključno z uporabo tradicionalnih obredov metanja kosti za napovedovanje rezultatov, povezanih s političnimi odločitvami, kot so morebitne spremembe v kabinetu pod bivšim predsednikom Jacobom Zumo. Pričevanje je tudi podrobno opisalo finančne transakcije, ki vključujejo milijone randov, povezane s tendri SANDF in pogodbo v višini 79 milijonov R, podeljeno logističnemu podjetju Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Nts-Ndhlovu je priznala, da je večkrat plačala Mapisa-Nqakula in zaupala situacijo svoji sestri, čeprav je prikrila nekatere podrobnosti, da bi se izognila obremenju.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): V članku so predstavljene dejanske pričevanja na sodišču brez očitno pristranskega jezika ali izbirnega poudarka.
Zakaj dejstva (90): The article accurately reports the witness's testimony about the personal and spiritual relationship with Mapisa-Nqakula, including the bone-throwing ritual. It aligns with the cross-source consensus and presents the facts accurately.
Zakaj objektivnost (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the witness's account without taking sides. It focuses on the details of the relationship and the spiritual elements of the testimony.
Daily MaverickNeodvisenSredinaDejstva 90Objektivnost 85pred 8 dnevi Sodišče: Plačal sem Mapisi-Nqakuli stotine tisočakov, ko sem sklenil posel v vrednosti 79 milijonov rupijSodišče je sodilo proti nekdanjemu predsedniku južnoafriškega narodnega zbora in obrambnemu ministru Nosiviwe Mapisi-Nqakula, ki je na sodišču pričala o pogodbi za logistiko obrambe v višini 104 milijonov R, ki je bila podeljena njenemu podjetju Umkhombe Marine.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): Članek predstavlja dejanski opis pričevanja, ki ga je dala Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, ne da bi očitno naklonil nobeni strani.
Zakaj dejstva (90): The article accurately describes the events of the trial, including the R104-million contract, the suspension of the contract, and the subsequent payments. It matches the cross-source consensus in its reporting.
Zakaj objektivnost (85): The article maintains a neutral stance, presenting the witness's testimony and the defense's challenges without apparent bias. It focuses on the procedural aspects of the trial.
Daily MaverickNeodvisenSredinaDejstva 90Objektivnost 85pred 9 dnevi Mapisa-Nqakula se končno sooča s sodbo zaradi korupcijeNekdanja predsednica južnoafriškega narodnega zbora Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula je začela sojenje za korupcijo v Pretoriji, kjer se sooča z 12 obtožbami korupcije in eno obtožbo pranja denarja, ki je povezana z njenim mandatom kot obrambnega ministra od leta 2016 do leta 2019. Tožilstvo trdi, da je v tem obdobju zahtevala 4,55 milijona dolarjev v gotovini in druge koristi od Nombase Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, direktorja logističnega podjetja Umkhombe Marine. To sledi pogodbi o logistiki SANDF v višini 104 milijonov dolarjev, ki je bila dodeljena Umkhombe Marine leta 2016, ki je bila po poročanju začasno prekinjena kmalu po tem, ko je bila dodeljena. Podrobnosti sojenja vključujejo trditve, da je Mapisa-Nqakula uporabila posrednike, kodiran jezik in zasebne sestanke za te zahteve, ki se začnejo z zahtevo v višini 300.000 dolarjev novembra 2016.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): Članek predstavlja dejanske informacije o sodnem postopku za korupcijo, ki je bil zasnovan na visokih položajih, v katerem je bil udeležen nekdanji vodja države, ne da bi se očitno naklonil nobeni strani.
Zakaj dejstva (90): The article provides detailed information about the trial, including the timeline, the charges, and the specifics of the R104-million contract. This aligns well with the cross-source consensus and presents the facts accurately.
Zakaj objektivnost (85): The article remains largely objective, focusing on the facts of the trial and the testimonies presented. It avoids taking sides but does include some descriptive language about Mapisa-Nqakula's demeanor.
IOL (Independent Online)Strankarsko povezanSredinaDejstva 85Objektivnost 80pred 4 dneviKot edina direktorica podjetja Umkhombe Marine Pty Ltd. je Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu zagotovila pogodbo v višini 79 milijonov rupij z Južnoafriškimi narodnimi obrambnimi silami (SANDF). Trdi, da je Mapisa-Nqakula plačala 4,5 milijona rupij v podkupnino, pri čemer je bila nekatera plačila prikrita kot darila. Priča je opisala, kako je Mapisa-Nqakula uporabila kodirane izraze, kot so "padkos", "perika" in sklicevanja na afriške modrece, da bi zahtevala denar. Plačila so se začela, ko je dobila nadomestno pogodbo po prenehanju prvotne pogodbe.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): Članek predstavlja pričanje priče proti Mapisa-Nqakula, ne da bi očitno naklonil nobeni strani.
Zakaj dejstva (85): The article accurately conveys the witness's account of the alleged bribes, the use of coded language, and the specific amounts involved. It aligns with the cross-source consensus but omits some contextual details present in other articles.
Zakaj objektivnost (80): The article is generally neutral but includes phrases like 'alleged bribery scheme' and 'allegedly confirmed she had received the money,' which emphasize the unproven nature of the allegations.
IOL (Independent Online)Strankarsko povezanSredinaDejstva 85Objektivnost 80pred 4 dnevi Ključna priča razkriva domnevno podkupnino v sodnem postopku Nosiviwe Mapisa-NqakulaKot edina direktorica podjetja Umkhombe Marine Pty Ltd. je Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu zagotovila pogodbo v višini 79 milijonov R s Južnoafriško nacionalno obrambno silo (SANDF). Opisovala je, da je za razpravo o plačilih uporabljala kodiran jezik, vključno z izrazi, kot so 'padkos', 'perika' in sklicevanja na afriško modrec. Nekdanji minister je domnevno zahteval gotovinska plačila v skupni višini 4,5 milijona R, pri čemer je prejel 2,1 milijona R v gotovini. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu je sprva izpolnila več zahtev, vključno s plačevanjem 300.000 in 400.000 R, vendar je zaradi uspešnosti svojega dela zavrnila plačilo podkupnine v višini 2 milijona R za napredovanje svojega moža. Tožilstvo namerava poklicati 28 prič, sodišče pa je opozorilo pred snemanjem pričanja.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): V članku je predstavljena izjava ključne priče v sodnem postopku zaradi korupcije, ne da bi očitno naklonil nobeni strani, obtožbe zoper Mapiso-Nqakula pa so objektivne, pri čemer je priča podrobno opisala trditve, ki jih je izrekla, ne da bi izrazila sodbo ali sprejela jasno ideološko stališče.
Zakaj dejstva (85): The article accurately reports the key points of the trial, including the allegations of bribes, the role of Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu as a witness, and the specific amounts mentioned. It aligns closely with the cross-source consensus found in other articles.
Zakaj objektivnost (80): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting facts without overt bias. However, it uses terms like 'alleged bribes' and 'alleged bribery scheme,' which indicate the nature of the accusations rather than proven facts.
News24NeodvisenSredinaDejstva 0Objektivnost 0pred 5 dneviNekdanji vodja Prve nacionalne banke (FNB) se je pojavil pred sodiščem, obtožen korupcije in pranja denarja, ki vključuje približno 87 milijonov R. Primer poudarja obtožbe o finančnih kršitvah znotraj velike južnoafriške bančne institucije.
Ocena pristranskosti (Sredina): Članek predstavlja dejanske obtožbe proti nekdanjemu bančnemu delavcu, ne da bi odkrito podprl ali kritiziral kakršno koli politično stališče, temveč se osredotoča na pravno zadevo in ne na jasno ideološko stališče, s čimer ohranja uravnotežen okvir.
Zakaj dejstva (0): The article is unrelated to the corruption trial of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and discusses a different individual facing charges. Therefore, it cannot be evaluated in relation to the cross-source consensus of the other articles.
Zakaj objektivnost (0): The article is unrelated to the corruption trial of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and discusses a different individual facing charges. Therefore, it cannot be evaluated in relation to the cross-source consensus of the other articles.
News24NeodvisenProgresivnopred 10 urami VIP zaščitnik postavlja Mapiso-Nqakula na letališki hotel na dan domnevne plačila 300 000 R.Članek poroča, da je VIP zaščitnik postavil vodjo osebja predsednika Cyril Ramaphosea, Joe Masiko (Mapisa-Nqakula), na letališki hotel na dan domnevne plačila "peruke" v višini 300.000 R. Izraz "peruka" se običajno uporablja v južnoafriškem političnem slengu za podkupnino ali nezakonita plačila.
Ocena pristranskosti (Progresivno): V članku je postavitev Mapisa-Nqakula v hotel označena kot potencialno povezana z nezakonitim plačilom, kar pomeni morebitno kršitev.
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